Record response for tech programme

More than 160 Emirati students are hoping to join the latest session of Tech Quest, a student outreach programme organised by a top technology company. For this session, the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) has received a record number of applications from students in Grades 9 to 12, with a waiting list being created in response to the oversubscription for the event.

Students try their hand at flying a drone at Tech Quest. — Supplied photo

The event began on December 15 and will run till December 26. The 13th Tech Quest programme is taking place in Abu Dhabi (Masdar Institute), Al Ain (the UAE University) and the Western Region (Madinat Zayed and Ruwais HCT campuses).

“Since its inception in 2010, the Tech Quest programme has enjoyed strong interest from the nation’s youth and educational institutions,” said Hanan Harhara, head of Human Capital at ATIC.

Till date, the ATIC Tech Quest programme has engaged more than 650 UAE national students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through exciting hands-on workshops.

“Evidently momentum is building and the ultimate goal of generating awareness of STEM and the value of studying related subjects is gaining traction on the ground with UAE schools, parents and students,” said Harhara.

The latest session will see the introduction of new teaching modules that focus on the technology behind the semiconductor and healthcare industries.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, explained why the institute is the ideal venue for high school students to explore areas for discovery in science and engineering subjects at the Tech Quest programme.

“With cutting-edge facilities, Masdar Institute offers the right learning environment and we hope most of the students would return to our sustainable campus as researchers and contribute to innovations in future energy.”

After each Tech Quest programme, a group of the top performing students are officially recognised and invited to participate in an additional, unconventional and unique educational experience.

The Tech Quest Leadership Programme urges students to step out of their personal comfort zones and hopes to provide them with the confidence, strength and key skills required to become future leaders.

The 2014 leadership programme will take place in Ras Al Khaimah in January. -olivia@khaleejtimes.com